Essay Contest

(Grades 6-8 and 9-12)

The America250FL Student Essay Contest is open to all students attending any Florida school in grades 6-12 (public, charter, private, home or virtual). Eight winners will be selected: three middle school students (grades 6–8) with each winner receiving a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and five high school students (grades 9–12) with each winner receiving a 4-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

Essay contestants must be Florida residents and be able to provide a Social Security Number. Each student may enter only one submission.

Entry Dates: Entries can be mailed to Volunteer Florida, America250FL Committee, 1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250, Tallahassee, FL 32308, or submitted electronically through the online submission form. All entries must be received no later than 5 pm ET on Monday, March 16, 2026. Emailed, scanned, or faxed entries will not be accepted. Contestants are responsible for all shipping costs. Entries submitted electronically will receive email confirmation.

Awards: Eight winners will be selected: three middle school students (grades 6-8) with each winner receiving a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and five high school students (grades 9-12) with each winner receiving a 4-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

Once the winners are announced, the decision is final.

Contact Volunteer Florida at (850) 414-7400 for any further questions.

Online Submission
America250 FL Essay Contest Online Submission

Paper Submission
America250FL Essay Contest Rules, Guidelines & Waiver Form (.PDF)